Madonna got permission for the adoptions by a court in Malawi on Tuesday, after admitting she felt “duty-bound” to care for the young girls after discovering information about their backgrounds through her charity work.

According to the BBC, Stella and Esther’s mother died soon after giving birth, and their father married a different woman.

The girls were then placed into the care of their grandparents who were overwhelmed by the prospect of having to bring up the twins and their siblings.

Madonna previously dismissed reports that she was seeking to adopt more children as “rumours”, saying: “I am in Malawi to check on the children’s hospital in Blantyre and my other work with [charity] Raising Malawi, and then heading home.

Madonna has encouraged her fans to donate and support orphanages in Malawi, writing: “There are 650 Orphans at Home of Hope where Esther and Stella have lived for four years since they were five days old.

“Run by the generous and compassionate Rev. Chipeto and his daughter Lucy, Raising Malawi has been working with HOH for over 10 years since I met my son David there.

”She added: “If you would like to get involved by volunteering or donations go to. RaisingMalawi.org. Every little bit helps!!!”